Apr 6 - a clear channel

Well, it turned out that the problem with the Apple devices wasn't 9.3.1, rather it was interference on my wifi channel or perhaps a combination.  When the iPhones started having problems right after the 9.3.1 update, naturally I assumed that was the problem.  I still think that it had something to do with it, perhaps more traffic on the channel ?  Who knows.  Anyway, one of the thermostats lost communication and then Sandy's iPad, which was still on 9.3, so it was time to figure out something else.

I turned off the secondary wireless access point and fussed around, got my phone connected but not the iPad, then started looking at the router wireless setup.  I switched channels and got the Apples connected but couldn't get all three thermostats connected.  I did some more research and apparently 1, 6 and 11 are usually the clearest channels, so I changed channels again, twice around, and finally got everything connected.  Later in the day I had to play with the Harmony and Rokus, because they weren't all connected to the main wireless access point.  Such fun.

Earlier in the day we'd both had training sessions with Jessica; mine scheduled for 7:15 and Sandy's for 8:15.  Jessica was running a little late so add 10 minutes to that, giving us both more workout time by ourselves.  Shortly after my session, I went to the Chiro, as much to see how I was doing vis-a-vis muscle tension / tightness as anything.  She said that it was looking pretty good, so the stretching exercises that Jessica has me do are obviously helping.  Naturally I'm still twisted ... nothing's going to change that !

Right across the street from the Chiro is the Optometrist - I love this little town ! - so I went in to have my glasses adjusted.  I'd had a problem with them slipping down and had them adjusted, now I ended up with a blister on my ear.  She did her thing; they felt good; I headed home on the Harley.  However, later in the day they were slipping again -- are my ears moving around and playing tricks on me ?  Perhaps I need a velcro strip above my ears or on my nose !  I've never had problems with glasses before.

Cassie got a walk and then, early afternoon, a ride to the sandbar.  I almost ended up being there for several hours !  The tide was running out so quickly that the boat was almost sitting dry with the motor wedged in the sand. I managed to swing the bow around; the weight on the motor was such that the electric tilt wouldn't move it.  Whew ! 

I've been making plans for the Italian ride, the Miglia, analyzing the route and booking rooms.  Last time we did this on the fly; this time I want a plan, a destination each day.  Mark Thomas and some of the Seattle Randonneurs came up with a plan but I'm not sure that it works for me.  Dan Driscoll, TX, has decided to ride and is asking me to make reservations for him too ... along with Hamid and Shab (one room) and Jerry and me (2nd room).  I'm still playing with options.  It all comes down to how far will we (I) be able to ride each day and finish up at a reasonable time to have dinner, get some sleep and then do it again.  Last time -- 2010 -- the first night was really messed up and the 2nd day was really slow.  After that, Catherine Shenk and I had hotels and stopped around 9pm each night for about 6 hours -- luxury !

We shall see ...

Mark's plan is, in kms, 552, 271, 240, 271, 257.  My plan is 552, 271, 313, 287, 168.  The reason that the first day is so long is that we ride overnight and it's very flat and fast.  Last time I got in at Dicomano, around 520 kms, at 5:30 p.m.  That was too early to stop.  The next 33 kms, however, is the most climbing intensive of the entire ride, climbing 100' per km.  Once that 552 is behind us, the rest is easy ... not !  My problem is that I'm not anywhere near as fast a rider as I was in 2010.

We shall see ...

Right now I'm going to do some double booking and make the final decision later.

Sandy saw an ENT yesterday who concluded that she has some acid reflux along with the inflammation in her ear and accumulation of wax.  We may have to start eating dinner just a tad earlier.  Giving up wine is not an option !

I went to the grocery store and picked up a few items including a jar of dills.  What a surprise when I ate one and found that they were hot dills !  They aren't really very hot, but it was a surprise. 

While I was over there I also picked up tuna.  It turned out to be about the best tuna that we've had in a long time.  It simply melted in your mouth, like Sashimi. 

Another day was done.  Today I'm hoping to go for a ride but we've got rain on the way this a.m.  Sandy picks up Marda at the airport early afternoon and they're going shoe shopping afterwards.  I may have to fend for myself for dinner.

Onward !